Abstract

Background Previous research shows a positive link between the amount of green area in one's residential neighbourhood and self-reported
health. However, little research has been done on the quality of the green area, as well as on quantity and quality of smaller
natural elements in the streetscape. This study investigates the link between the objectively assessed quantity and quality
of (1) green areas and (2) streetscape greenery on the one hand and three self-reported health indicators on the other.

Methods 80 Dutch urban neighbourhoods were selected, varying in the amount of nearby green area per dwelling, as determined by Geographic
Information System analysis. The quality of green areas, as well as the quantity and quality of streetscape greenery, was
assessed by observers using an audit tool. Residents of each neighbourhood were asked to complete a questionnaire on their
own health (N=1641). In multilevel regression analyses, we examined the relationship between greenspace indicators and three
health indicators, controlling for socio-demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

Results Both indicators for the quantity of greenspace were positively related to all three health indicators. Quantity and quality
indicators were substantially correlated in the case of streetscape greenery. Nevertheless, the quality indicators tended
to have added predictive value for the health indicators, given that the quantity information was already included in the
model.

Conclusions The quantity and also the quality of greenspace in one's neighbourhood seem relevant with regard to health. Furthermore,
streetscape greenery is at least as strongly related to self-reported health as green areas.

Footnotes

Funding This study was supported by a grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research and by the strategic research
program ‘Sustainable agriculture’ (KB-04), funded by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Food Quality.